Roundtrip special event trains to serve L’Enfant, Union Station for fireworks on the National Mall and other festivities
Alexandria, Va. – The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is making it easy to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in style this year, with the return of VRE Fireworks Trains on Saturday, July 4, 2026. These special event trains will provide roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C. on VRE’s Fredericksburg and Manassas lines. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite beginning June 1 until tickets are sold out.
Ticket holders will board at select stops along either the Manassas or Fredericksburg Lines for an express VRE trip up to L’Enfant or Union Station. Trains will arrive in the District of Columbia around 5 PM and depart south around 11 PM, after the conclusion of the fireworks show on the National Mall, offering a seamless way to experience this time-honored tradition without the headache of traffic and the hassle and expense of parking downtown.
“I am thrilled to announce the return of VRE Fireworks Trains this year, after a hiatus of over a decade,” said VRE Chief Executive Officer Katie Choe. “It’s fitting that, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our United States, we also embrace and recognize the full mosaic of contributions and innovations that have shaped the success of our great nation. Transit, such as VRE, has opened doors of opportunity for so many. In that spirit, VRE Fireworks Trains are continuing to connect our communities by providing more opportunities to celebrate this monumental occasion,” she added.
Tickets are priced at $20 per adult and $10 per child under 12. Riders will also receive a commemorative LED “sparkler” to provide some patriotic flair and fun for the whole family.
VRE will also run full service on Friday, July 3. Whether traveling for your typical commute or experiencing the numerous celebrations aligned with the America250 celebrations, VRE can get you there!
Learn more about VRE Fireworks Trains, including schedules and guidelines for attending events on the National Mall, at vre.org/fireworkstrains.
VRE, the nation’s 13th largest commuter rail service, connects Central and Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia. VRE is recognized for its provision of safe, reliable, convenient, and comfortable transportation. Its two lines, Manassas and Fredericksburg, serve 19 stations,
including two – L’Enfant and Union Station – in D.C. Additional information, including fares and schedules, is available at http://www.vre.org.